Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment

Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment

Challenges Facing Hydrogen as a Strong Sustainable Energy Source

Document Type : Research Article

Author
Said M. A. Ibrahim
Mechanical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
10.30501/jree.2025.511037.2295
Abstract
The environmental degradation resulting from the use of non-renewable fuels requires immediate remedies; therefore, sustainable energy sources must be employed. Hydrogen, with net zero carbon emissions, is a crucial sustainable energy resource. It is flexible for use in both portable and stationary systems, providing an advantage over other sustainable fuels. This work presents current knowledge regarding hydrogen, including its classifications, life cycle, production methods, electrolyser technologies, and associated costs. Green hydrogen faces numerous economic and technological obstacles that impede its viable widespread adoption. The cost of green hydrogen significantly exceeds that of grey hydrogen, necessitating a reduction in price to enable competition with grey hydrogen for substitution purposes. Estimates indicate future costs of green hydrogen at $1–2/kg and electrolysers at $400–500/kW. This study addresses the issues associated with the extensive utilization of green hydrogen, including the need for inexpensive renewable electricity and reduced electrolyser prices. The cost of renewable electricity has decreased over the years, with wind energy being less expensive than solar energy. The cost of hydrogen should be assessed at the point of production due to its significant dependence on feedstock pricing. Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) appear to be the forthcoming technology for green hydrogen production. Green hydrogen also encounters significant obstacles in storage, transportation, and utilization, as the supply chain lacks adequate infrastructure. This paper focuses on the current state and challenges facing hydrogen for its widespread commercial use. Future research should include substantial reductions in hydrogen cost, advanced electrolyser technologies, hydrogen utilization in engines and NOx reduction during combustion, advanced fuel cells, biological production of hydrogen, and overcoming all hazards associated with hydrogen use due to its properties. These developments would be favorable for all stakeholders, particularly researchers confronting numerous complex subjects. Policymakers should also be actively engaged.

Graphical Abstract

Challenges Facing Hydrogen as a Strong Sustainable Energy Source
Keywords
Hydrogen
Electrolyser
Green Hydrogen
Levelized Cost Of Hydrogen
Supply Chain
PEM and AEL Challenges

Subjects

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Journal of Renewable Energy and Environment
Volume 13, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 44-62

  • Receive Date 14 March 2025
  • Revise Date 02 October 2025
  • Accept Date 06 December 2025